James knocks on the door again, a little harder.
James: "Sweetie…?"
The door opens.
Lucy: "James? Sorry—I was sleeping. You got a little scared, didn't you? It's because you care about us so much."
James: "You almost gave me a heart attack."
They both giggle and walk inside the house.
James: "Lucy, I need to tell you something."
Lucy: "Yeah? What is it, James?"
---
The next night, the terrace of James's house was lively and glowing with warm lights. Guests in elegant attire filled the space, laughter and conversations mixing with the sound of clinking glasses.
James spotted Cloe walking upstairs and approached her.
James: "Hey, Cloe. Thanks for coming."
Cloe: "Hey, James."
Suddenly, Lilly rushed over, her eyes shining with excitement.
Lilly: "Daddy! Can I cut the cake now?"
James: "Yeah, sure, sweetie. And look who's here."
Cloe knelt and handed a gift to Lilly.
Cloe: "Happy birthday, sweetie."
Lilly: "Thank you, ma'am!"
Later, the cake was cut. Everyone sang the birthday song, took photos, and showered Lilly with love. One by one, the guests began to leave. James chatted with his four close colleagues—his trusted team.
Once they left, James went to the bedroom where Lucy, Cloe, and Cloe's aunt, Catherine, were sitting.
Lucy: "James, can you buy some trash bags and floor cleaner? We need to clean all this mess."
James: "Yeah, sure. Do you need anything else? And where's Lilly?"
Lucy: "She's asleep in her room. Poor thing's tired after all the excitement."
Cloe: "James, can you do me a favor? I'm going to be staying here a bit longer, but my aunt needs to get home soon. I can't drop her off, so… if you're heading toward the city, could you drop her at the bus stop?"
Catherine: "Oh no, it's alright. I'll take a taxi. No need to trouble yourself, James."
James: smiling kindly "It's okay, ma'am. I'll drop you."
Later that night, James was driving through the forest road with Catherine sitting beside him.
James: "This is my first time meeting you, ma'am. May I know your name?"
Catherine: "Catherine. My niece has told me a lot about you."
Catherine glanced out the window—then suddenly gasped.
Catherine: "James, stop the car! I saw a child in the forest!"
James: "What?! Where?"
She pointed to a tree.
Catherine: "Right there… beside that tree. She ran into the forest. James, please… go check. I don't want a child to die."
James hesitated. Something didn't feel right. But he nodded.
James: "Okay, ma'am. Wait here."
He stepped out, switched on his phone flashlight, and cautiously entered the forest. The night was cold. The silence was heavy. Then he saw it—an enormous, dark tree. As he walked closer, his eyes widened. A ruined structure stood behind the tree—an abandoned factory. One he hadn't seen in 12 years. Suddenly, something struck the back of his head. He fell to the ground. Dizzy, he tried to turn, to see and then he saw a Red, glowing eyes stared down at him from a shadowed figure.
The Shadow: "Remember this place?"
Another blow to the head—everything went black.
TO BE CONTINUED...